The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC data shows that Mumbai has recorded 233 confirmed cases of measles and eight deaths due to the disease. Mumbai's surrounding areas have 51 cases, including 37 in Biwandi, 28 in Thane, 15 in Nashik, 11 in Akola, 10 each in Nashik and Yavatmal, 9 case each in Kalyan-Dombivali and Vasai-Virar.
In view of the increasing number of measles cases, Centre alerted states and union territories about the low measles vaccination coverage. In its advisory, the Centre said that the average coverage of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine MRCV among eligible beneficiaries is significantly less than the national average.
The Centre directed states to give additional doses of rubella and measles vaccine to children aged nine months to five years in vulnerable areas. A PTI report quoted Health Ministry Joint Secretary P Ashok Babu stating that the dose would be in addition to the primary vaccination schedule of the first dose at nine months and the second dose at 16 -- 24 months.
Babu said that MRCV is to be administered to all children aged six months and up to less than nine months in areas where measles cases in the age group of less than nine months are above 10 per cent of the total cases.
He said that since the dose of MRCV is being given to this cohort in Outbreak Response Immunization ORI mode, the children should be covered by the first and second doses of MRCV, according to the primary routine Measles and Rubella vaccine schedule.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has appealed to the residents of Mumbai to get their children vaccinated against measles.
The initial symptoms of measles include high fever, bloodshot eyes, runny nose, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. A rash develops several days later, starting on the face and upper neck, which slowly spreads downwards.
Young children lacking proper nourishment including vitamin are at high risk of contracting measles, especially those with weak immune systems.